kolkata

IIE DIGITAL DESK ; Kolkata, August 1: The shocking revelation has emerged during the investigation into alleged extremist activities linked to Hamim Mondal, who was arrested by the Bengal Special Task Force (STF). According to STF Inspector General Gaurav Sharma, Hamim allegedly had plans to carry out a sabotage operation at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar while wearing a police uniform. The STF also claimed that West Bengal Chief Minister Shuvendu Adhikari was among the alleged targets of the conspiracy.

Addressing a press conference on Saturday, STF IG Gaurav Sharma said that investigators recovered several suspicious details after examining Hamim’s mobile phone, digital devices, and social media conversations. According to the agency, the analysis of his online activities revealed information related to alleged links with individuals operating from outside India.

Hamim Mondal, a 24-year-old resident of Bengal, was arrested from Burdwan on Friday. He was brought to Kolkata on Friday night for further investigation. STF officials examined various devices used by him and reviewed his conversations across multiple social media platforms. During the investigation, several important details reportedly came to light.

The STF claimed that Hamim had contact with several handlers based in Pakistan. According to investigators, some of these individuals were allegedly connected with the network of Shahjahad Bhatti, a person linked with drug-related terrorism activities. The agency stated that communication was maintained through encrypted platforms, including WhatsApp, Telegram, and other secure messaging applications.

The STF, investigators also found references to the movements and activities of Chief Minister Shuvendu Adhikari. The agency claimed that the Chief Minister was allegedly being monitored as part of the suspected conspiracy. Apart from him, a minister from Howrah was also reportedly among the alleged targets.

The STF further claimed that a plan was being prepared to create disturbance during the student protest held at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar. According to the investigation agency, there was an alleged plan to enter the protest area wearing police uniforms and carry out disruptive activities.

Investigators have reportedly identified several handlers connected with Hamim, using names such as ‘Rana’, ‘Abir’, ‘Habib’, and ‘333’. The STF stated that the network was allegedly involved in activities including radicalisation of young people, illegal arms movement, and planning of disruptive operations.

The investigation has also brought focus on the alleged use of a “honey trap” strategy by the network. The STF suspects that attempts were made to target influential individuals through personal relationships and manipulation. Investigators are examining whether Hamim’s associate Arpita Sarkar was involved in such activities.

Arpita Sarkar was arrested on Saturday morning from Jharkhand’s Sahibganj following the investigation. According to STF sources, Hamim and Arpita had been in contact for nearly four years. The two reportedly met through Instagram, after which their relationship developed.

The STF is now conducting a detailed investigation to uncover the full extent of the alleged network, its funding channels, and possible links with other individuals. Officials believe that questioning Hamim and Arpita together could reveal more information about the suspected interstate and international connections of the module.

The investigation remains ongoing, and security agencies are continuing efforts to identify other possible members associated with the alleged conspiracy.